It’s a story that seems ripped straight from a crime thriller script, but the reality is far more chilling. The Supreme Court just delivered a major blow to popular Kannada actor Darshan, cancelling his bail in the horrifying murder case of his fan, Renukaswamy. This isn't just a legal setback; it's a powerful statement that the rule of law applies to everyone, regardless of their fame or influence.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Supreme Court has officially cancelled the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renukaswamy murder case.
- ✓ The case involves the brutal abduction, torture, and murder of S. Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan.
- ✓ The court heavily criticized the Karnataka High Court's December 2024 decision to grant bail, calling it a "mechanical exercise of power."
- ✓ The victim suffered 39 external injuries, a broken chest bone, and was given electric shocks before his death.
- ✓ A stern warning was issued against giving the actor any "VIP treatment" or "five-star" facilities in jail.
The Crime That Shocked Sandalwood
So, what led to this shocking turn of events? It all goes back to June 2024, when a 33-year-old fan named S. Renukaswamy found himself in the crosshairs of his idol. According to police allegations, Renukaswamy had been sending lewd and obscene messages and images to actress Pavithra Gowda, who is described as Darshan’s girlfriend. The fan was apparently blaming her for the actor's marital problems.
What happened next is the stuff of nightmares. On June 8, 2024, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted from his hometown in Chitradurga on Darshan's instructions. He was brought to a shed in Bengaluru where, for three days, he was brutally tortured. The details are stomach-churning: he was tied up, beaten with wooden clubs, and even given electric shocks with a machine by men who worked at Darshan's house.
A Gruesome Discovery
The ordeal ended with Renukaswamy’s death. His body was unceremoniously dumped in a drain at midnight and discovered on June 9. Investigators found bloodstains at the crime scene, and the subsequent autopsy report painted a horrifying picture of his final moments. The cause of death was listed as "shock haemorrhage" resulting from multiple blunt force injuries.
The report detailed 39 external injuries, a deep and bleeding head injury, a torn ear, a fractured rib, and a broken chest bone. The torture was so severe that even his testicles were damaged. During court hearings, the special public prosecutor, P. Prasanna Kumar, presented evidence that included two photographs showing the deceased pleading for mercy. It’s a truly disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry, also known as Sandalwood.
The Legal Rollercoaster: From Bail to Immediate Arrest
Following the discovery, Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were arrested in connection with the crime. The police charge sheet, filed in September 2024, named Gowda as the prime accused and Darshan as the second accused. Despite the severity of the charges, the Karnataka High Court granted bail to Darshan and the other co-accused on December 13, 2024. This decision was met with public outcry, especially after Darshan was seen at a movie screening hours after skipping a court appearance, citing back pain.
However, the Karnataka state government wasn't ready to let it go. They promptly appealed the High Court's decision, taking the matter to the nation's highest court. On August 14, 2025, a Supreme Court bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan delivered their verdict, and it was a decisive one. They completely set aside the High Court's order and ordered Darshan to be taken back into custody immediately.
Why the Supreme Court Stepped In
The Supreme Court judges didn't mince words. They slammed the High Court's ruling, stating it "suffers from serious legal infirmities" and was a "mechanical exercise of power." Justice Mahadevan went so far as to call it a "perverse" exercise of judicial power. The core issue was that the High Court had conducted a "wholly unwarranted exercise" of examining witnesses and looking at evidence—a job that is strictly reserved for the trial court.
They argued that granting bail in such a serious case would undoubtedly impact the trial, as powerful individuals could easily influence witnesses. The message was crystal clear: procedural integrity and the gravity of the crime must be respected. The top court made a point to emphasize that this was a case where discretion was used improperly by the lower court.
"No Five-Star Treatment": A Stern Warning to Authorities
Perhaps one of the most striking parts of the hearing was the court's direct warning against giving Darshan any special treatment in jail. This came after a photo had previously surfaced showing him relaxing in a chair with coffee and a cigarette while in custody. Justice Pardiwala issued a stark ultimatum to state officials, making it clear there would be consequences for any VIP privileges.
He said, "The day we come to know that the accused persons are being provided five-star treatment, the first step would be to place the superintendent into suspension along with all other officials." This wasn't just a legal ruling; it was a powerful statement reinforcing the principle that in a democracy, the law must apply equally to all, from the common citizen to the biggest celebrity. The victim's father, Kashinatha Shivanagowdaru, welcomed the order, stating it has reinforced his faith in the judiciary.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that the cancellation of Darshan's bail marks a crucial turning point in this high-profile case. It sends a resounding message that celebrity status provides no shield from the due process of law. The Supreme Court has not only ordered the actor's immediate arrest but has also put the entire system on notice, demanding that justice be pursued fairly and without favor. As the trial is now expedited, all eyes will be on what happens next in this dark and tragic story.
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